The Lamplighters by Frazer Lee Read Free Book Online

bordering the dark side. I expect results. Dismissed.”
    The door clicked shut, leaving the chief alone with his sour thoughts once more. Sighing, he returned to his desk to conquer his piles and sharpen some pencils.
     
    Marla struggled to keep up as Jessie flitted into the kitchen, looking fantastic in her loose summer dress.
    “And this is the kitchen.” Jessie gestured around her with arms flailing.
    She performed each task gleefully as she reeled them off, “Here you’ll be expected to switch on the lights, switch off the lights, turn on and ignite the gas, turn off the gas, open the faucet, close the faucet…”
    Marla giggled as she watched Jessie’s performance from the doorway.
    “It’s not all fun and games though,” said Jessie, beckoning Marla to join her over by the sink. She crouched down by the cupboard beneath it and opened the door. “The job’s not over ’til the cleaning work is done,” whispered Jessie remorsefully, “Make sure the place is spotless and old Scowler won’t have anything to bug you with. I usually clean a couple different areas each day. Variety is the spice of life.”
    Marla peered inside and saw a collection of white, unbranded plastic bottles and dispensers standing to attention aside cleaning cloths and sponges.
    “Strange—to see products without logos and wild claims on the packaging, I mean.”
    “Yeah, you’d think these guys would have enough cash to buy the premium brands wouldn’t you?”
    “Maybe that’s why they’re rich. They accumulated the savings.”
    “Think you’re onto something there.”
    They stood up again.
    “Well, that’s about it, really. Just use the gas, water, electric each day. Keep the place clean. Water the plants and keep the lawn trimmed back. Any questions?”
    “Just one,” said Marla, “Which room do I sleep in?”
    Jessie roared with laughter.
    “Oh boy, they did a job on you didn’t they?” She took pity, sensing Marla’s genuine bewilderment. “It’s okay, I thought I was gonna be lady of the manor when I first got here too.”
    “I don’t understand…”
    “They kind of exaggerate the job spec before they hire you. We don’t sleep in the main houses, but don’t worry, there’s a little summerhouse out back just for you. Kind of like servant’s quarters, I guess…”
    “Servant’s quarters?”
    “Yeah, kinda. But nicer…”
    Servant’s quarters. What century was this?
    Suddenly, Jessie stopped still and peered out through the kitchen window.
    “What’s wrong?” asked Marla.
    “Did you see him? Thought I saw someone standing out in the garden.”
    They both focused on the garden path, scanning the trees in the mid-distance.
    “Can’t see anyone. Weird…” Jessie’s frown turned into her infectious smile again. “Hey, sorry if I spooked you Marla. Come on, let me show you where you’re gonna be crashing.” Jessie crossed to the back door and opened it.
     
    As she crossed the threshold, Marla glanced at the trees again nervously. Maybe she had seen someone standing there, just for a split second, watching silently. Stepping out into the warm summer air, she realized her arms were covered in goose bumps.
    “Come on, toots.”
    Jessie was already halfway across the lawn. Marla followed her.
    The summerhouse was nestled in an alcove of tall trees, separated from the side of the main building by thick hedgerows. Either side of the path leading to the front door was lined with pungent herbs. Marla’s nostrils drank in the piquant aromas of mint and sage, rosemary and camphor. Jessie reached above the door, feeling along the frame until she located the key. She handed it over and stepped back so Marla could open the door herself.
    “Welcome home, Marla.”
    Marla stepped inside as if she was entering a dream. The summerhouse was decked out like a fairytale cottage in a movie. Summerhouse . That made Marla giggle; surely every dwelling place on Meditrine Island was a summerhouse? This place was